With Paris hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics a century after it last welcomed the world’s athletes, we reflect on one of its storied Olympians. Philip Neame was a remarkable figure whose participation in the 1924 Paris Olympics showcased his talent and leaves him to this day the only person with a very special accolade.

As the world celebrates the spirit of the Olympics once more, Neame’s legacy as both an Olympian and a decorated war hero stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring excellence and courage that the games inspire.

Early Life: The Making of a Champion

Philip Neame was born in Faversham, Kent on 12 December 1888 and we can find his birth record in the first quarter of the following year. His father Frederick Neame, as newly released Directory Records on TheGenealogist reveal, was a Justice of the Peace and one of the primary landowners of the area. His education at St Michael’s School Thanet (where he is listed in the 1901 census) and Cheltenham College further shaped his character, fostering a love for sports alongside his academic pursuits.

On leaving Cheltenham College Neame went to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich where his talent shone through and he excelled in various sports. However it was his prowess in shooting that would lead him to Olympic glory.

Military Career

Neame was commissioned into the Royal Engineers as a Second Lieutenant after leaving the Royal Military Academy in 1908. In 1910 he was promoted to Lieutenant and promoted again to Captain at the beginning of the First World War.

The Act of Valour

On 19 December 1914 during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, Neame, then a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, exhibited extraordinary courage. Under very heavy rifle fire and bomb-throwing, he succeeded in holding back the enemy and rescued all the wounded soldiers possible, actions that were crucial to the success of his unit’s mission. His heroism was recognised with the Victoria Cross. Through the rest of the war he climbed in rank to a temporary rank of lieutenant colonel and added to his awards a DSO and was Mentioned in Dispatches five times, making him one of the most decorated soldiers of his time.

After the War Neame was honoured with the French Croix de Chevalier and Croix de guerre as well as the Belgian Croix de guerre. He then served as an instructor at the Staff College in Camberley.

The Paris 1924 Olympics: A Shot at Glory

Neame competed in the Team Running Deer, Double Shots event, an event that required shooters to hit a moving target, simulating the skill needed for hunting. Neame’s team performance clinched the gold beating Norway by a single point. With this Gold medal, Neame became the only person to win an Olympic Gold medal and have the Victoria Cross.

After his performance in the 1924 Paris Olympics, Neame returned to Britain. His military career advanced rapidly; he was appointed brigade major of an Infantry Brigade at Aldershot in January 1924. In 1925, Neame saw service in India with the Bengal Sappers and Miners, where he further honed his leadership and engineering skills. His strategic acumen was recognised in 1930 when he attended the prestigious Imperial Defence College. By June 1932, Neame’s distinguished service earned him a promotion to full colonel, bypassing the rank of substantive lieutenant colonel, and he took on the role of General Staff Officer 1 in the Waziristan District. However, his time in India was not without danger; in 1933, while hunting, he was severely mauled by a tigress. Hospitalised at the Lady Minto Nursing Association in Bareilly, he was nursed back to health by Harriet Alberta Drew, whom he later married.

World War II

Neame’s military career did not end with the First World War. During World War II, he continued to serve with distinction, holding several key command positions. As a major general, he was captured by German forces in North Africa in 1941. Despite being a prisoner of war, Neame’s leadership and resilience never wavered. His eventual escape and return to Allied lines added another chapter to his storied military career.

Following World War II, Neame continued his service. In August 1945, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey with the local rank of lieutenant-general, a position he held until 1953. During this time, Neame played a crucial role in the post-war recovery and administration of the island. His leadership was further recognised through honorary roles, including Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Royal Engineers from February 1945 to 1955, and Colonel of the 131 (Airborne) Engineer Regiment from January 1948. In June 1946, Neame was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and was also made a knight of the Order of St John. His contributions extended beyond his active military service; in January 1955, he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Kent.

Neame retired to a life enriched by these honours, remaining a respected figure in military and civic circles until his passing on 28 April 1978. His legacy is a testament to a life dedicated to service, marked by bravery, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his country.

Philip Neame’s life is a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, skill, and bravery. His dual legacy as an Olympic champion and a war hero is unparalleled, reflecting a life lived with an extraordinary commitment to excellence in both sports and service to his country.